All Lee M. Zeldin's Contenthttp://www.nysenate.gov/senator/lee-m-zeldin/content
enOutgoing Third District Senator Zeldin Announces Signing of Bill to Protect our Childrenhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/outgoing-third-district-senator-zeldin-announces-signing-bill-protect-our-children
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Outgoing Third District Senator Zeldin Announces Signing of Bill to Protect our Children</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>New Law Protects Children from Identity Theft</em></strong></p>
<p>ALBANY—Outgoing Third District State Senator Lee Zeldin (R, C, I—Shirley), Chair of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee, announced today that his bill aimed at protecting minors from identity theft has been signed into law.</p>
<p>The bill, S. 6682, creates a mechanism whereby parents or guardians can place a freeze on the credit record of a minor in order to prevent their child from becoming a victim of identity theft.</p>
<p>“As the Chair of the Senate’s Consumer Protection Committee, and as a father, I am especially proud to see this bill signed into law,” said Senator Zeldin. “I welcome any opportunity that gives parents the tools to help their children start their lives on sound financial footing.”</p>
<p>Children are especially vulnerable to identity theft as it can carry on undetected for years, until the child applies for student loans, other forms of credit, or a job. According to a 2012 survey of families with children under 18, conducted by the Identity Theft Assistance Center and the Javelin Strategy &amp; Research group, one in forty families had at least one child whose personal information had been compromised.</p>
<p>The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises parents to check their children’s credit report for suspicious activity, noting that a child's social security number can be used by identity thieves to apply for government benefits, open bank and credit card accounts, apply for a loan or utility service, or rent a place to live. Further, the FTC advises parents to take immediate action should they find that personal information is being misused. However, current law only allows a parent to freeze their child’s credit after a file in their name already exists. Typically, such a file only exists if the child has already been the victim of identity theft.</p>
<p>Senator Zeldin’s bill requires credit reporting agencies to allow a parent to freeze their child's credit even when no file exists, thereby averting the potential for identity theft to occur in the first place. This provides parents with a mechanism allowing them to take proactive steps to safeguard their child’s identity.</p>
<p>“In our data-driven world where one’s personally identifying information is critical to financial health and stability, this bill empowers parents and provides them with the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re doing all that you can to set your children up for success,” Senator Zeldin continued.</p>
<p>A result of extensive work with businesses and industry professionals, this important law strikes a balance between protecting New York consumers and creating a stable platform for affected businesses.</p>
<p>The bill was sponsored in the Assembly by the Chair of their Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) and becomes effective January 1, 2015.</p>
<p>Press Contact: Jennifer DiSiena (631) 585-0608 or <a href="mailto:disiena@nysenate.gov">disiena@nysenate.gov</a></p>
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<span class="date-display-single">Mon, 11/24/2014</span> </div>
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Consumer ProtectionMon, 24 Nov 2014 14:27:41 +0000Jennifer DiSiena251281 at http://www.nysenate.govOutgoing Third District Senator Zeldin Announces Signing of Bill to Permit Recreational Spearfishing in NYhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/outgoing-third-district-senator-zeldin-announces-signing-bill-permit-recreational-spea
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Outgoing Third District Senator Zeldin Announces Signing of Bill to Permit Recreational Spearfishing in NY</strong></p>
<p>ALBANY—Outgoing Third District Senator Lee Zeldin (R, C, I—Shirley) announced today that his bill to expand recreational fishing on Long Island was signed into law.</p>
<p>The bill, S. 3823, expands recreational spearfishing in New York's marine and coastal waters.</p>
<p>"Fishing is a popular pastime here on Long Island and spearfishing is just one of the many forms of recreational fishing," said Senator Zeldin. "I am proud to have introduced this legislation in the Senate, along with Assemblyman Thiele in his chamber, to permit spearfishing for New Yorkers. I thank Governor Cuomo and my colleagues in the legislature for supporting this commonsense measure."</p>
<p>Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr., the Assembly sponsor of the legislation noted, “It was a pleasure working with Senator Zeldin and the recreational spearfishing community to help clarify that the use of spearguns is allowed for the recreational taking of marine gamefish in New York. Through this bill we were able to help better define this sport and provide for protections.”</p>
<p>Bill Pfeiffer, editor of Northeast Dive News and retired president of the Long Island Divers Association said, “I would like to thank Assemblyman Thiele and Senator Zeldin, who were happy to meet with us and listen to our concerns. I also want to thank all of the divers and supporters who worked so hard behind the scenes to make sure the bill was passed. Spearfishing is the most selective and environmentally conscious form of harvest of marine fishes, and we are thrilled that we can continue to do so without fear of prosecution. This is truly a great day for New York divers and the environment.”</p>
<p>The bill becomes effective 90 days after being signed into law.</p>
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<span class="date-display-single">Sun, 11/23/2014</span> </div>
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MiscellaneousSun, 23 Nov 2014 15:12:47 +0000Jennifer DiSiena251276 at http://www.nysenate.govSenator Lee Zeldin and Assemblyman Phil Ramos Host Sgt. Michael Esposito, Jr. Bridge Dedication Ceremonyhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-lee-zeldin-and-assemblyman-phil-ramos-host-sgt-michael-esposito-jr-bridge-dedi
<p>BRENTWOOD-On Monday, September 29, Senator Lee Zeldin (R, C, I-Shirley) and Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D, I, WFP-Brentwood) were joined by Congressman Peter King and Supervisor Tom Croci for a bridge dedication ceremony in honor of fallen hero, Sgt. Michael Esposito, Jr.</p>
<p>Sgt. Esposito proudly served his country in the United States Army. After September 11th, Sgt. Esposito re-enlisted. He was mortally wounded while clearing an anti-coalition force in the village of Miam Do in Afghanistan on March 18, 2004. He was the first soldier from Long Island to be killed in Afghanistan.</p>
<p>Senator Zeldin said, “Sgt. Esposito is a true hero, sacrificing himself in Afghanistan while proudly serving our country. I am honored to have been able to sponsor legislation, along with Assemblyman Ramos, to dedicate a bridge in his honor. This bridge will serve as an everyday reminder of the courage, dedication and sacrifice of all of our brave servicemen and women, who fight everyday to protect our country and our freedom. His sacrifice and the sacrifice of all our Veterans will never be forgotten.”</p>
<p>Assemblyman Ramos said, “I am humbled to honor Sgt. Esposito Jr., one of Brentwood’s local heroes, having re-enlisted in the Army after the events of 9/11 to defend the freedoms we hold dearly as Americans. His heroism, bravery and selfless dedication to duty represents the valor that is the American soldier,” said Assemblyman Phil Ramos.</p>
<p>The Sgt. Michael J. Esposito Jr. Bridge crosses the Long Island Expressway at Washington Avenue in Brentwood.</p>
<p>Press Contact: Jennifer DiSiena (631) 585-0608 or <a href="mailto:disiena@nysenate.gov">disiena@nysenate.gov</a></p>
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VeteransMon, 29 Sep 2014 19:20:19 +0000Jennifer DiSiena247586 at http://www.nysenate.govSenator Zeldin: MTA Must Not Bond Against MTA Payroll Tax Revenuehttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-zeldin-mta-must-not-bond-against-mta-payroll-tax-revenue
<p>RONKONKOMA— Today, Senator Lee Zeldin (R, C, I—Shirley), member of the New York State Senate’s Transportation Committee, released the following statement in response to the MTA’s proposal to make the remainder of the MTA Payroll Tax permanent.</p>
<p>“The MTA Payroll Tax should have never been created in the first place. It was part of a $2 billion taxpayer funded bailout of the MTA in 2009, which created a new tax on jobs in the height of a recession. It was created because New York City centric Democrats, who at the time controlled all branches of state government, look at Long Islanders and other NYC suburban taxpayers as their personal ATM.</p>
<p>As a State Senator, I successfully fought to repeal the MTA Payroll Tax for 80 percent of employers, including 34,000 employers in Suffolk County alone. It should be entirely unacceptable to allow the MTA to make the remainder of the Payroll Tax permanent. Instead, the MTA should pursue efficiencies to operate at a lower cost for the public.</p>
<p>We must support our nation's largest mass transit system, but at the same time, MTA management needs to stop their endless scheming to rip off riders and non-riders because they find it as the easier option than trimming fat from within. The MTA should dedicate all of their focus to internal efficiencies no matter how large or how small they can find savings from any part of the system."</p>
<p>Press Contact: Jennifer DiSiena&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">(631) 585-0608 or disiena@nysenate.gov</span></p>
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MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:36:56 +0000Jennifer DiSiena247201 at http://www.nysenate.govZeldin Receives Top Pro-Business Score from The Business Council of New Yorkhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/zeldin-receives-top-pro-business-score-business-council-new-york
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Zeldin Receives Top Pro-Business Score from The Business Council of New York</em></strong></p>
<p>RONKONKOMA—The Business Council of New York State released this week their 2014 Business Council Legislative Scorecard. Senator Lee Zeldin (R, C, I —Shirley) received the top pro-business score, receiving a 93% out of 100 for the combined 2013 and 2014 legislative sessions.</p>
<p>According to the Business Council, New York State Senators and Assembly members were rated for their positions on bills considered by the Business Council to have a significant impact on New York’s economic climate.</p>
<p>The Business Council represents the interests of employers throughout New York. They represent over 3,000 members and over one million employees. 72% of their members are small businesses.</p>
<p>“Working to grow our economy in New York has always been one of my top priorities as a State Senator,” said Senator Zeldin. “One important example of this effort was when I led the effort to successfully repeal the MTA Payroll Tax for 80% of employers. As one of the most expensive states in the country to do business, we must continue working to grow our economy and create more good paying private sector jobs.”</p>
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<p>Contact: Jennifer DiSiena&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">(631) 585-0608 or disiena@nysenate.gov</span></p>
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MiscellaneousWed, 17 Sep 2014 18:34:52 +0000Jennifer DiSiena246681 at http://www.nysenate.govSenator Lee Zeldin Calls on the MTA to Rescind 8% Pay Raises for Managershttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-lee-zeldin-calls-mta-rescind-8-pay-raises-managers
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Senator Lee Zeldin Calls on the MTA to Rescind 8% Pay Raises for Managers</strong></p>
<p>RONKONKOMA—Today, Senator Lee Zeldin (R, C, I—Shirley), member of the New York State Senate’s Transportation Committee, released the following statement in response to MTA Chairman Thomas Prendergast’s approval of an eight percent pay raise for management.</p>
<p>"The MTA has some gall dolling out eight percent pay increases to its managers. This is one of the most bloated, top-heavy agencies in the country. They have their hands in the pockets of riders, and even non-riders, on a daily basis. Instead of working to increase the efficiency of the agency, these bureaucrats line their own pockets without missing a beat,” said Senator Zeldin.</p>
<p>Motivated to run for State Senate following the implementation of the job killing MTA Payroll Tax, Senator Zeldin led the successful fight in 2011 to repeal the Tax for 80% of employers.</p>
<p>Senator Zeldin concluded, “During my expansive research of the MTA following the $2 million dollar bailout 5 years ago, I have realized that there are countless ways for our nation’s largest mass transit system to operate more efficiently. The MTA must immediately rescind this ill-advised payout to themselves and use it towards more appropriate purposes, like cutting fares or expanding service."</p>
<p>MTA Chairman Tom Prendergast says that this pay raise will cost the MTA approximately $25 million a year.</p>
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<p>Press Contact: Jennifer DiSiena&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">(631) 585-0608 or disiena@nysenate.gov</span></p>
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MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)Sun, 07 Sep 2014 17:27:11 +0000Jennifer DiSiena245881 at http://www.nysenate.govSenator Zeldin on School Zone Speed Camerashttp://www.nysenate.gov/news/senator-zeldin-school-zone-speed-cameras
<p>On Friday, August 22, Senator Zeldin spoke with News 12 on his opposition to school zone speed cameras across Long Island. Click <a href="http://longisland.news12.com/multimedia/interview-with-state-sen-lee-zeldin-on-school-speed-cameras-1.9128916">here </a>to watch the interview.</p>
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MiscellaneousOtherMon, 25 Aug 2014 16:31:50 +0000Jennifer DiSiena245111 at http://www.nysenate.govSenator Zeldin Calls for Disaster Declaration After Last Week’s Stormhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-zeldin-calls-disaster-declaration-after-last-week-s-storm
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Senator Zeldin Calls for Disaster Declaration After Last Week’s Storm</strong></p>
<p>RONKONKOMA—Senator Lee Zeldin (R, C, I—Shirley) released the following statement calling on the Governor to request and the President to approve an official disaster declaration after the storm that hit Long Island last week wreaked havoc on communities across Suffolk County.</p>
<p>“During the storm that hit Long Island last Wednesday, August 12, more than 13 inches of rain were dumped across certain parts of Suffolk County. In its wake, residents were left with severe flooding and destruction. People’s property, homes and businesses were seriously damaged or in some cases, even completely destroyed.</p>
<p>Disaster declarations are not automatic. The Governor must make an official request to FEMA and the President must approve it. The federal storm damage assessment process with FEMA has officially begun. Both state and local governments have been gathering the specific damage information FEMA requires, and a FEMA assessment team has been on-site to review the damage. It’s important that Governor Cuomo submit a persuasive, documented request as quickly as possible, and for FEMA and President Obama to act on it swiftly.</p>
<p>Most of my constituents who had homes and businesses damaged by the storm do not live in flood zones, so they don’t have the protection of flood insurance. Unfortunately, this means that many residents are now stuck footing the bill for massive repairs that they simply can’t afford. Declaring this a disaster will provide these residents with the necessary means to begin repairs.”</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: left; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Press Contact: Jennifer DiSiena (631) 585-0608 or&nbsp;disiena@nysenate.gov</p>
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<span class="date-display-single">Thu, 08/21/2014</span> </div>
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Emergency Services or FEMAThu, 21 Aug 2014 17:39:20 +0000Jennifer DiSiena244931 at http://www.nysenate.govSenator Zeldin Announces Huge Win for Suffolk County Electricianshttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-zeldin-announces-huge-win-suffolk-county-electricians
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Senator Zeldin Announces Huge Win for Suffolk County Electricians</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Governor Cuomo Signs Zeldin Bill Allowing Consolidation into One Single Permit for Electrician Licensing in Suffolk</em></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">ALBANY—Senator Lee Zeldin (R, C, I—Shirley), Chair of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee, announced today that his bill to help consolidate licenses into one single master electrician license in Suffolk County has been signed into law.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">“As Chair of the Senate’s Consumer Protection Committee, I am pleased to announce that my consolidated electricians licensing bill was just signed into law by Governor Cuomo,” said Senator Zeldin. “Some municipalities within Suffolk County required electricians to be licensed by that municipality in order to work within its town or village. This placed a heavy burden on electricians who have needed to then obtain licenses and register to work within several different municipalities.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The bill, S. 5132, will protect electricians in Suffolk County by permitting the county to adopt a law allowing the issuance of one single permit at the county level. This will allow electricians to work within any municipality in Suffolk County, without additional town or village licensing permits required.</span></p>
<p>Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi, who sponsored Suffolk County’s Home Rule Message for this effort said, “I was delighted to work with Senator Zeldin on this important legislation. In neighboring counties, electricians are saddled with the administrative and financial responsibility of maintaining dozens of duplicative licenses in order to operate legally, thus increasing costs to consumers. We did not want that to happen in Suffolk County. Electricians can now spend time serving their customers rather than writing checks to every governmental entity that wants a piece of the action.”</p>
<p>Charlie Gardner, Director of Government Affairs of the Long Island Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association said, “The local electrical industry is thrilled. Senator Lee Zeldin recognized the economic costs and administrative burdens placed upon electrical contractors in Suffolk County which were caused by governmental over-regulation and duplicative licensing requirements. These burdens benefited no one, least of all consumers.”</p>
<p>Russell Calemmo, the Chairman of the Suffolk County Electrical Licensing Board, said, “This bill provides an enormous financial saving for all Suffolk County residents and the electrical industry, providing consumer protection and reducing unresolved ambiguity for contractors and government redundancies that have no true value other than to burden contractors with additional fees to be passed on to consumers.”</p>
<p>The bill was co-sponsored in the State Senate by Senator Phil Boyle and sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblyman Fred Thiele. This law will become effective immediately.</p>
<p>Press Contact: Jennifer DiSiena</p>
<p>(631) 585-0608 or <a href="mailto:disiena@nysenate.gov">disiena@nysenate.gov</a></p>
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MiscellaneousFri, 15 Aug 2014 20:18:39 +0000Jennifer DiSiena244611 at http://www.nysenate.govSenator Zeldin Announces Signing of Bill to Authorize Resident Curator Program at Parks and Historic Sites in New Yorkhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-zeldin-announces-signing-bill-authorize-resident-curator-program-parks-and-his
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">Senator Zeldin Announces Signing of Bill to Authorize Resident Curator Program at Parks and Historic Sites in New York</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;"><strong>New Law Allows Private Investors to Rehabilitate Vacant and Deteriorated State Buildings</strong></span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">ALBANY—Senator Lee Zeldin (R, C, I—Shirley) announced today that his bill to authorize the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to establish a Resident Curator Program has been signed into law.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) owns several buildings in parks and historic sites within New York State. Many of these buildings are left unoccupied for two main reasons, including not serving a purpose to the site, or having been severely deteriorated to a point where significant investment in time and money would be required to rehabilitate the building. However, given the location of these buildings, they are not permitted to be transferred through the usual methods available to State agencies.</span></p>
<p>This bill, S.4757A, establishes a Resident Curator Program that aims to attract private investors though a competitive bidding process. The private investors will be responsible for rehabilitating these properties at their own expense. These investors would receive a long-term lease, for up to 40 years, and are subject to all State laws, regulations and requirements. After the lease is up, ownership and the benefits of the rehabilitated structure will remain with the OPRHP.</p>
<p>“This bill creates an innovative program to rehabilitate and use vacant and deteriorated buildings,” said Senator Zeldin. “This will allow the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to focus their limited capital funds on other priorities.”</p>
<p>“Programs like these are already established in other states, such as Maryland and Massachusetts,” Senator Zeldin continued. “I’m proud to have sponsored this legislation to allow for implementation in New York State.”</p>
<p>The Resident Curator Program will be launched within three New York State Parks on Long Island: Cold Spring Harbor State Park, Heckscher State Park and Hither Hills State Park.</p>
<p>The bill was sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblyman Margaret Markey. This law will become effective immediately.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">Press Contact: Jennifer DiSiena&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">(631) 585-0608 or disiena@nysenate.gov</span></p>
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MiscellaneousConsumer ProtectionFri, 15 Aug 2014 20:12:46 +0000Jennifer DiSiena244606 at http://www.nysenate.gov